EXECUTIVES and governors have bid a fond farewell to the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s outgoing chairman.

Stephen Billingham, who took over the role in July 2012, is leaving this month to spend more time pursing external interests and said he was “proud” of the work he had accomplished at the trust.

The former chairman of pub chain Punch Taverns chaired his final Royal Berks board of directors meeting last Friday morning and said: “Being a chairman of an NHS organisation, or any public organisation, is an honour and a duty.

“It is something I am proud to have done. I have had an interesting experience, to say the least. I think the quality of the discussion we’ve had today [at the board meeting] shows the signs of improvement.

“I feel happy that things are in a better state than when I arrived.”

The hospital’s lead governor David Cooper paid tribute to Mr Billingham’s ability to simplify the complex issues in such a large organisation during his time as chairman and said: “I would like to thank Stephen for his determination and commitment in helping the board focus on the key issues facing the trust, during a challenging period, and in establishing strong relationships with [health regulators] Monitor and the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

“I am confident he will leave us well placed to continue the task of improving the trust. We wish him every success for the future.”

Non-executive director Janet Rutherford will take over as interim-chairman until a permanent successor is appointed, and she added: “There’s nobody who cares more about the trust than Stephen.

“He has worked hard behind the scenes to keep Monitor and the CQC on our side. He has tried to assure the best possible health care and best possible services in the trust.”